The Biggest Free Agency Mistake in Astros History

As of recently, the Houston Astros have done extremely well with drafting, which has allowed them to capitalize in free agency. Guys like Jose Altuve (before his extension), Josh Reddick, Michael Brantley, Yuli Gurriel, and Charlie Morton have all performed well on team-friendly contracts. Sure, they're paying hefty salaries to guys like George Springer and Justin Verlander now, but at least they haven't had to commit long term to a high-priced free agent in quite a while.

However, that wasn't always the case, and we can't overlook the worst free agent signing in Astros' history: Greg Swindell.

Swindell had a very successful six-year stint with the Cleveland Indians (thanks to three really good campaigns) from 1986-1991 and then his best year to date with the Cincinnati Reds in 1992. So when the Astros signed him to a four-year, $16.4 million deal prior to the 1993 season, it seemed like a great decision.

However, in his four seasons down in Houston, Swindell never put up an ERA under 4.16, finishing with a cumulated 4.48 mark. In 1996, the final year of his contract, he even put up a 7.83 ERA in eight starts before being sent back to Cleveland for his second stint with the Indians.

Swindell went on to find success later on in his career in a relief role. He had consistent sub-4.00 ERAs with Minnesota, Boston, and Arizona, including a 2.51 ERA in 1999. He won a World Series with the Diamondbacks in 2001 and became one of two pitchers to be on three D-Backs playoff rosters.

With the recent success the Astros have had when it comes to their talent, it's easy to forget once upon a time this franchise made a mistake or two.